He may be cuddly and lovable, but a case of fleas won't keep Fido off the bed or the couch. And Patches won't keep her tail from rubbing up against your leg when the flea circus arrives. Dr. Berney Pukay, an Ottawa veterinarian has some suggestions on how to get rid of flea infestations on your favourite furballs.

If you start treatment in early May, high flea season (June and July) will bypass your beloved Max or Coco. Pukay's foolproof strategy? Hit from the outside; then work from the insides.

First, kill the adult fleas. Pukay recommends Advantage, a prescription cream containing imidacloprid, which is applied to your pet's back. It kills 98 to 100 per cent of the adult fleas within 24 hours.

Next, prevent reinfestation by killing developing larvae with Program, a prescription drug containing iufenuron. Administer to cats by monthly drops mixed into their food or through injection every three months. Dogs can take Program in a monthly pill.

For more information, consult your pet's vet.